York Catholic District School Board Names Ab Falconi as New Director of Education

The Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Ab Falconi as the new Director of Education for the York Catholic District School Board, effective April 1, 2018. Mr. Falconi replaces retired Director of Education, Patricia Preston, and Acting Director, Diane Murgaski.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Mr. Falconi as our new Director of Education,” said Elizabeth Crowe, Chair of the Board. “Known throughout the province as a strong advocate for publically funded Catholic education, Mr. Falconi is a collaborative and dynamic leader. The Board is very confident that his extensive background and deep commitment to student achievement and well-being will support him to foster innovation and nurture the stellar reputation of the York Catholic District School Board.”

Mr. Falconi is a Catholic educator with more than 28 years of experience. He is currently a Supervisory Officer with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board and oversees the Board’s Special Education Department, as well as a number of schools. Throughout his career, he has held the positions of Teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal and Superintendent of Education.

Mr. Falconi’s experience spans a wide-range of disciplines including providing direct support and leadership to schools, students and parents. His extensive knowledge and skill in the area of educational technology and Special Education will assist the Board in its goal to provide innovative and diverse learning environments for all students. Mr. Falconi’s previous work portfolio also includes safe schools, leadership development, labour management and accessibility. In each of his portfolios, he works tirelessly to support the faith-filled development of all students, in partnership with families and parishes.

At the provincial level, Mr. Falconi actively supports the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officer Association as Vice-President, and has been a member of the Supervisory Officers’ Mentorship Steering Committee. He currently sits on several provincial committees including ECNO (Education Computing Network of Ontario), the Institute for Educational Leadership, and the FSL Labour Market Partnership Committee.

Mr. Falconi is an active volunteer in his community, is a proud member of St. Mary’s Parish in Barrie and belongs to the Knights of Columbus.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been appointed as the Director of Education for the York Catholic District School Board,” said Mr. Falconi. “I look forward to serving with trustees, staff, parents, parishes and our community partners to ensure excellent faith-filled learning opportunities for all students. High student achievement is dependent on each student having a strong sense of purpose and well-being. I look forward to supporting this great work within one of the top performing School Boards in Ontario. ”

The York Catholic District School Board delivers quality Catholic education to more than 54,000 students in 103 schools throughout the Regional Municipality of York.